Data reduction of polygonal curves using B-splines

We present a new method for data reduction of polygonal curves. Representat ion by means of a list of points does not provide fair curve models that ma y have complex and varying shapes. We suggest a different technique based o n fitting B-spline curves. This algorithm reaches high data reduction rates while producing fair approximations even for the most complex curves. We a pply our technique to cartographic data but the method is suitable for any application where the number of data points must be greatly reduced. (C) 19 99 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.